Helena replied truthfully. "Bette… I don’t think so. I mean, you’ve your moments… but we can’t say that we can really know a person from within. It’s the fact that we’re constantly getting to know each other that keeps us close. For one, I’ll really want to know you better… Like, what’s underneath that confident exterior, what motivates you? What were your life experiences that turned you into the person you are now, and so on… I could go on forever."

"Lots of people like me for my appearance, but I can’t seem to find the right person. All I wanted is someone to love me unconditionally forever." Bette insisted stubbornly.

She continued. "Even Tina. When I met her, I bared my heart, and soul. I admit that I’ve hurt her intensely with cheating… but after we got back together the second time, when I thought she forgave me, and things are going to be all right. It’s almost as if I opened up my bandages to show her my healing wounds, but what she did was to stab me again multiple times. I’m still hurting. A lot."

"Urgh, I said too much. Didn’t need to bog you down with the gory detail."

"Bette darling, I really feel like giving you a hug…" Helena said intensely, her voice deep and husky.

Bette felt a shiver run down her spine as she instantly felt as Helena beside her. "Well, you can. We’re going to meet up tomorrow, right?"

Unsure, Helena asked cautiously. "Do you want to stay over tomorrow?"

"Helena. Wait, was meaning to tell you something, but I forgot."

We’re progressing too fast after all.

Disappointed about Bette’s obvious evasion, Helena said half-heartedly. "Oh… It’s okay, there’s no hurry. Why don’t you take your time to think about it? I’m not working today."

"…"

There is no reply as Helena heard some fumbling in the background, then a crash and a loud groan ensued.

"Are you alright?" Helena wanted to know.

"Awwwwwwwww", came the reply.

"Bette?"

"Bumped my head against the lampshade. Telephone cords are so short nowadays. Grand Hyatt. I’m staying at the Grand Hyatt. That’s what I was meaning to tell you. I forgot my room number, so you could call me when you arrive?"

Helena asked in amazement, "You hurt yourself trying to look for the room number?

"I was looking for the free notepads they often gave out and it was on the other bedside table."

"How did you bump your head against the lampshade? Never mind, I wouldn’t want to know. You must be a bot pretending to be the suave Bette Porter I know and adore." Helena muttered incredulously.

Bette replied indignantly. "Well, I checked-in at midnight and I have a hangover."

"You’ve been drinking again." Helena said quietly.

"Well, I missed you. Wish you were here with me." Bette admitted.

"Me too." Helena whispered.

Me too."